93% of Canadians believe it’s important to talk about their wishes for their care with family and friends. Yet only 1 in 5 has a plan.1 As a caregiver, knowing what matters most to your care recipient can help you honour their wishes and give you peace of mind if they become too sick to make decisions. But when is the right time to start these conversations? How do you approach the subject? Are there tools and resources to guide you through the process?In this informative session, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association will explain what advance care planning (ACP) is and provide you with practical tools and tips to support your care recipient with confidence.
Takeaways for you:
•Review of the “My Advance Care Planning Guide” – this guide helps you through the planning process and with making a record of the plan
•Real-life experiences and insights from caregivers who’ve used these resources
• Practical strategies to navigate tough conversations• How to choose the right resources and tools for your situation
Our speaker: Karine Diedrich is Acting Co-CEO and Director of Programs at the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. She joined after serving as Vice-President, Public Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization at Volunteer Canada. She has a BA from Carleton University and a Professional Certificate in Partnership Management from the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs. 1 2021 ACP Canada National Poll

*LIVE SESSION ONLY
Planning for the future is a crucial step for caregivers of individuals with disabilities, but knowing what financial options are available can often feel overwhelming. This webinar, presented by Plan Institute, will provide you with the information and resources you need to make informed financial decisions.
Join us to learn about:
• Key benefits and credits available for people with disabilities and their families, including the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
• How to create a financial plan that ensures a secure future for you and the person you care for.
• Helpful tools and resources available for caregivers, including guidance on how to access additional support.
Our speaker:
Liss Cairns (they/them) is the Program Manager at Plan Institute, a national non-profit organization that empowers people with disabilities and their families through education, resources, and personalized support. They focus on helping people navigate financial planning, disability benefits, wills and trusts, housing, employment, and caregiver support. Liss brings their lived experience as a disabled person, family caregiver, and professional expertise to this webinar, offering both personal and professional insights into disability planning.
NOTE: *This webinar will NOT be recorded. We also ask that you DO NOT record this session as the information can change
without notice.

OCO is excited to welcome Baycrest and Dr. Adriana Shnall, Program Director of the Baycrest Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving, to introduce the Canadian Caregiver Assist and Referral Tool (C-CART).

C-CART is a user-friendly online tool designed for family caregivers. It helps caregivers identify their needs and connects them to local resources, support, and services. By answering a few simple questions, caregivers receive personalized recommendations to assist them in managing their caregiving responsibilities and taking care of themselves.

Join us to learn about:

• The background and development of the C-CART tool
• How to use the new tool
• How to access resources and information
• Future considerations

Our speaker: Dr. Adriana Shnall, PhD, MSW, RSW, is the Program Director of the Baycrest Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Family Caregiving and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. A recognized leader, educator, and advocate, Dr. Shnall serves on two caregiver-focused boards and frequently presents on topics related to caregiving, aging, and dementia. Her work integrates clinical practice, education, research, and advocacy to improve the lives of older adults and their families.

Webinar description: The Government of Canada recognizes that long-term financial security is a significant concern for people with disabilities and their families. To address this, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) was introduced in 2008 to help individuals with disabilities, along with their families, to save for the future. We are pleased to welcome Jennifer Soucy, who will provide an overview on the following topics:

• What is the RDSP, why was it created, and who is it for?
• How does the RDSP benefit persons with disabilities, and how can caregivers support the plan?
• How does the Government of Canada help to increase these savings?
• Where to find more information, including an overview of the application process.

Our speaker: Jennifer Soucy is a policy analyst for the Canada Disability Savings Program within the Office for Disability Issues, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

*This webinar will NOT be recorded and is intended to provide general information only.

Are you caregiving for someone who takes medications? Have you ever wondered if each of their medications is still right for them? Medications can offer significant benefits, but as we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to their effects. Some medications that were once helpful might no longer be necessary or could even cause harm.

Join us for an informative session hosted by the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network. This session will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you ensure that your care recipient’s medications are still needed and beneficial.

In this presentation, we will explore:

• How aging can increase sensitivity to medications
• The importance of regular “medication check-ups”, and how to collaborate with healthcare professionals to prevent harmful side effects
• Essential questions to ask about your care recipient’s medication

The Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network is a collaborative group of individuals with lived experience, clinicians, educators, policymakers, and researchers. They work together to create, share, and apply information that promotes the safe and appropriate use of medications for all Canadians.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this webinar is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your care recipient’s medications.

Ageism is one of society’s most ingrained prejudices, affecting not only how we view older adults but how we see ourselves as we age.

For caregivers, understanding the impact of ageism is crucial in providing the best care and promoting well-being for those you support. This webinar will explore the power of language, attitude, and belief in shaping how we age. Learn how adopting positive age beliefs can increase longevity, enhance quality of life, and change the trajectory for both caregivers and care recipient.

By shifting the narrative and challenging harmful stereotypes, you can help instill a deep sense of value and respect in yourself and those you care for. Join us in creating a future where aging is embraced, not feared.

Our speaker: Jenna Wickens is the MatureMinds Coordinator at CFS Counseling & Wellbeing, where she provides advocacy, education, programs, volunteer opportunities, and community resource consultation for older adults. As a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, Jenna is dedicated to raising awareness and ensuring that “growing old” is viewed as an opportunity rather than a liability.

As a caregiver, you may be caring for someone with osteoarthritis, or you may have been personally diagnosed with the condition. In either case, it’s important to understand the kind of care you can expect from your clinicians. Quality standards are essential for both patients and caregivers to know what to anticipate in their care.

In this webinar, the OCO welcomes back Ontario Health to discuss the updated quality standard for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, hand, or shoulder, providing you with valuable information, tools, and resources.

Please join us to learn about:

• Ontario Health’s updated “Osteoarthritis: Care for Adults With Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Hip, Hand, or Shoulder” quality standard and patient guide
• Key quality statements that can enhance care for people with osteoarthritis and their caregivers in the community
• Programs, tools, and resources for caregivers to support people with osteoarthritis
• Caregiver resources presented by Arthritis Society Canada, along with other caregivers’ experiences

A newly designed SCALE program is being launched this Fall. Register now to get new content and resources!
The SCALE Program aims to empower caregivers with practical information and skills to focus on their mental health and well-being needs by offering:
• Weekly psychoeducational webinars (LIVE or RECORDED) that acknowledge and unpack difficult caregiving emotions. You may register for all or individual webinars to suit your needs.
• Strategies, tools, and resources to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions and reflect on your own caregiving experience.
• Free and confidential online group and/or individual counselling (OPTIONAL). *Space is limited. Registration is based on a first-come, firstserved basis. You will need to watch the live or recorded webinars to receive the maximum benefit from group or individual counselling.
Seeing this past OCTOBER 8th, 2024?
You can still sign-up for any of the remaining live webinars!
October 8th to November 26th, 2024
(Tuesdays from 12pm to 1pm ET)
Week 1: “I feel burned out”: Resetting within our Caregiving Journey
Week 2: “I feel like I am not doing enough”: Challenging Feelings of Guilt and Failure
Week 3: “I feel overwhelmed”: Managing Caregiving Stress through the Power of Noticing
Week 4: “I don’t know how to change things”: Navigating Grief and Helplessness in Caregiving Relationships
Week 5: “I feel angry and resentful”: Navigating Difficult Emotions within Caregiving Relationships
Week 6: “Who am I aside from a caregiver?”: Rediscovering Yourself by Embracing Self-Compassion
Week 7: “I feel like nobody appreciates me”: Setting Boundaries within the Caregiver Relationship
Week 8: “I feel alone”: Creating Meaningful Connections

Quality standards are important for patients and their caregivers to know what to expect in their care. Caregivers of individuals with Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) need to have access to information, tools, and resources to help manage the challenges associated with COPD. In recognition of COPD Awareness Month in November, join us to learn about:
• the updated Ontario Health COPD quality standard and patient guide
• key quality statements that can enhance care for people with COPD and their caregivers in the community
• programs, tools, and resources for caregivers to support people with COPD
• other caregivers’ experiences
Our Speakers:
Gracia Mabaya is a Lead in the Clinical and Quality Standards Program at Ontario Health. Having dedicated nearly eight years to Ontario Health, she has
spearheaded and contributed to the development and refinement of quality standards across various health conditions, including the recent update of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care in the Community for Adults quality standard.
Julie M. Skelding is a Senior Specialist, Quality Improvement, Ontario Health and masters prepared nurse with experience in quality improvement, change
management and most recently the implementation of a province-wide COPD initiative. Julie’s clinical experience in primary care, mental health, and sleep medicine gives her a deep understanding of health care services to improve patient care and support staff in change management to enable system transformation.

Feeling stressful and overwhelmed by the holiday season is a common experience for many caregivers. Do you face challenges during the holidays? Have
you found effective coping strategies? OCO is excited to welcome back Dr. Patrick McGrath, who will offer guidance on navigating these tough times based on questions from caregivers.
• Submit your question about caregiver stress in advance
• Gain useful tips and strategies on how to manage your emotions during the holiday season
• Learn what services or tools are available to support your mental health needs

Note: We encourage caregivers to share questions when filling out the Eventbrite registration. The OCO tries to answer as many questions as possible, but
some questions may not be answered due to time limitations.

Our Speaker:
Dr. Patrick McGrath is a clinical psychologist and Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and a scientist at the IWK Health Centre where his research is based. He is an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa. He frequently treats caregivers with anxiety in his private practice.